Guber Poll: Groups Take Campaign Against Violence, Vote-buying to Anambra Communities

By Praise Chinecherem

Centre for Transparency Advocacy and Koyenum Immalah Foundation have called on people of Anambra state to eschew violence, vote buying and rigging ahead of November 8 governorship election in the state.

The groups gave the advice in Orumba South local government area during sensitization programme with support from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) aimed at informing voters the right and expected values for the exercise.

The engagement held in Umunze, Ezira and Nawfija communities focused on voter participation, non violence approach to election and rejection of illegality capable of impeding electoral processes.

Programmes and Communications Manager, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and also Programme Director Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) MacDonald Ekemezie urged voters in the area to come out and vote for their choice candidates

“Our aim is to sensitize the voters in Orumba South to be aware that their vote is their voice and power. We encourage them to avoid violence and ensure that they do not support any form of rigging or infractions during elections.

“We have taken the messages to the halls, Ezira, Nawfija, motor parks, Nkwo Umunze markets, and we have engaged with INEC to ensure things are done the right way,” he said.

A Civil Society Advocate for Peace, Dr Dennis Ekemezie commended the groups for the project, describing the voters’ education as step in the right direction.

Chief Orientation and Mobilization Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Orumba South, Mrs Pet Anake said the agency had been a driving force towards creating right values and moral within the communities.

Some of the participants who spoke to reporters Ali Sunday – a keke driver and Mrs Chinyere Eze – a food seller at the market were grateful for the knowledge gained.

They promised to take the message further to the grassroots to ensure peaceful poll.